Gympie Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Gympie
Gympie, a city located in the Mary Valley region of Queensland, Australia has produced some of the most distinguished and famous people in the country. From politicians, writers, and artists, to sporting icons and musicians, Gympie has been a hometown to some of the most celebrated personalities in Australia.
One of the most notable persons from Gympie is Mark McArdle, a former Member of Queensland Parliament and a politician who served his constituents in the Caloundra electorate. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Queensland for the first time in 2004 and went on to win re-elections in 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, and 2017. During his tenure, he served as the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Planning and also as the Shadow Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.
Another distinguished personality from Gympie is the novelist, Nick Earls. He is a bestselling author in Australia and has written several novels, including "Zigzag Street," "Perfect Skin," and "The Thompson Gunner." His books are known for their humor, wit, and effortless style. Earls has won numerous literary awards, including the Inaugural Fellowship Award from the Queensland Premier's Awards and the Patricia Hackett Prize for fiction.
Gympie has also produced some of the most accomplished sporting icons in Australia. One of them is the retired professional rugby league footballer, Chris Flannery. Flannery represented several clubs during his career, including the Sydney Roosters and St Helens RLFC. He played as a second-rower or loose forward and was known for his work ethic, leadership, and toughness on the field. Flannery won several awards during his career, including the Dally M Second Rower of the Year in 2001 and 2004.
Another renowned sports personality from Gympie is the Olympic medalist, Leisel Jones. Jones is a retired Australian swimmer who competed in four Olympic Games between 2000 and 2012. She won a total of nine medals, including three gold, five silver and one bronze. Jones also won several gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships and was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2019.
Gympie has also produced some of the most celebrated musicians in Australia. One of them is the composer and pianist, Percy Grainger. Grainger was born in Brighton, Victoria but spent most of his childhood in Gympie. He was a prolific musician who composed several classical pieces, including "Irish Tune from County Derry" and "Country Gardens." Grainger's music is characterized by his use of unusual instruments, his experimentation with sound and his eclectic mix of folk and classical music elements.
Gympie has a long and rich history of producing distinguished and famous personalities in Australia. From politicians to sporting icons, writers, artists, and musicians, Gympie has nurtured some of the most talented and accomplished individuals that have contributed significantly to the country's cultural, social, and economic development.
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